Statement by Ben Smith, Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Education Minister
The resignation of the Minister of Education presented Premier Burt with an opportunity to reset public education. Instead, he chose to go backwards by reappointing the very minister many parents, teachers and education stakeholders had lost confidence in.
After nine years of declining confidence in public education, this decision is a slap in the face to educators, parents and students who have been calling for greater transparency, stronger leadership and better results.
The Premier continues to promise an Education Authority while deliberately leaving out the most important word which is that Independent. Recent events have shown exactly why and Independent Education Authority matters. Political interference has no place in our schools, yet this Government continues to place politics ahead of students.
This reappointment sends the wrong message. Once again, loyalty to the Premier appears to have been rewarded over the opportunity to put Bermuda’s children first.
The Opposition will judge Minister Rabain by his actions, not his words. We expect full transparency on the events at Port Royal Primary School, clear evidence that the Student Code of Conduct is improving school environments, a timeline for the future of education reform, and most importantly a credible plan to improve student achievement.
Bermuda’s children deserve an education system that is transparent, accountable and focused on results, not politics.
The question now is whether the Government’s backbench will finally find its voice and stand up for Bermuda’s children, or continue to remain silent while political loyalty takes precedence over educational excellence.
